Naturopathic medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach
to improving health and treating illness.It
is based on the healing power of nature and it supports and stimulates the
body’s ability to heal itself.It
uses a combination of natural medicines and gentle hands-on techniques.

Q

What training do naturopathic doctors have?

A

Like a conventional doctor, dentist, or chiropractor, the
naturopathic doctor first completes pre-medical studies at University.The
naturopathic student then moves on to a four year, full-time program at an
accredited naturopathic college (The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
is one of four such colleges in
North
America).The first two years of
study focus on basic medical sciences and diagnosis.The
last two years concentrated on naturopathic principles and therapeutics,
including extensive clinical practice in a supervised teaching clinic.

Q

Is Naturopathic Medicine Safe?

A

The safety record for naturopathic medicine is excellent. This makes sense
given the emphasis on non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle,
non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare and NDs are knowledgeable about
contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines.

Q

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?

A

Yes, the naturopathic profession is regulated in Ontario under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).

Q

Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP or insurance?

A

At this time naturopathic medicine is not covered by OHIP,
however most insurance providers do cover naturopathic medicine.Insured
patients can contact their employer or insurance agents to see if they are
covered.If not, such coverage can
often be included at nominal rates.

Q

What are the kinds of treatments that Naturopaths use?

A

The basic therapies are clinical nutrition, botanical
medicine, homeopathic medicine, Asian medicine (acupuncture and eastern
botanicals), physical treatments and health counseling.The
range of modalities allows Naturopaths to develop treatment plans that
address not only the physical aspect of a person, but also the mental and
emotional aspects.The naturopathic
therapies are all based on the same principles: they all assist the body’s
healing response, and they are often more effective when combined.

The first appointment with the Naturopath is about 1-1 ˝ hours and subsequent appointments will be about ˝ hour. During the initial visit, the Naturopath will get an in-depth understanding of their patient's concerns, do relevant physical exams, review any test results they may have or discuss any tests they may need, review any medication or supplements they are currently taking, and will educate their patients about their concerns/conditions, test results, develop an individual treatment plan to manage their concerns and discuss the prevention of future concerns as well.